Instructions for Using the Registry

The table below shows all individual exonerations. By default, the table is set to show exonerations from 1989 through the present. Check "Pre-1989" in the Exoneration Era filter to view Pre-1989 exonerations. Use the filters on the left to search for exonerations with particular criteria. Hover over the symbols for explanations of filters or columns. Use the Keyword Search box to filter for cases that contain those keywords in the narrative summary.

If multiple keywords are entered, the search will show cases in which the narrative contains ANY of those words. Since the table is filtered to 1989 through the present by default, a search for the name of someone who was exonerated before 1989 will not produce results until the Date of Exoneration is adjusted, or the Pre-1989 filter is selected. Once filters have been set, select the column headings you wish to display, and sort the table by whatever column heading you choose by clicking on the column heading. For more detailed instructions, see Understanding the Registry, under "About" at the top right of the Home Page. Note: 1989 was the year of the first DNA exoneration and the dawn of a new era of wrongful convictions. The Registry used to separate the two - pre and post 1989 exonerations - into two separate and distinct databases. They are now synthesized to reflect the entire body of exoneration data. If you wish to view exonerations prior to 1989, check "Pre-1989" in the Exoneration Era filter. Read Less
Total records: 4
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Name State County Convicted Exonerated Crime Sentence Term of Years Years lost Age Race Sex Year of recantation Date of Release Posting Date Contributing Factors Display Case Characteristics Recantation OM Tags DNA
Engesser, Oakley South Dakota Meade 2001 2015 Manslaughter Term of Years 25 years 12 41 White Male 2013 01-13-2015 Official Misconduct, Inadequate Legal Defense H No OF, WH No
Letcher, Donald South Dakota McCook 1995 1996 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 5 years 1 29 White Male 1996 03-31-2014 Perjury or False Accusation CV, NC, SA No No
Rome, Anthony Jr. South Dakota Minnehaha 1987 1990 Kidnapping Probation 0 47 White Male 1987 03-18-2014 CV, NC No No
Slota, Frederick South Dakota Brown 2014 2019 Child Sex Abuse Term of Years 30 years 3 41 White Male 2017 02-19-2019 Perjury or False Accusation, Official Misconduct, Inadequate Legal Defense CV, NC, SA No PR, NW, PL No